Authors note: Alright guys, here's the next update! First let me tell you why it took so long. My computer got a terrible virus and I couldn't do anything with it and ended up having to clear the hard drive, which of course didn't work. Finally we took it to someone to get it fixed and now its up and running again. I also am back in school, so I won't be updating as often. (too much homework should be illegal). But I have 3 more chapters written so that should keep you busy :)

Alright so now that the negatives are cleared, I want to thank everyone for following/favoriting/commenting on the story! Keep the comments coming. I love them! It means a lot and helps build my writing. ^-^ So basically ASDFGHJKLASDFGHJKL THANKS!

Oh, and also, I'm still new to the site so sorry if I don't respond, but I do see your messages...I just don't know how to respond to them yet ~ and also, I'm too lazy to indent so that's why there isn't any indentation now ^^

~Germany's P.O.V.~

Germany backed out of (f/n) driveway and headed back to Italy's place. She seemed shy enough, so he decided that he would strike conversation for once. It worked; she eventually relaxed and talked with ease. He stopped himself. "Why do I care?" He asked himself, "Why do I act so different around her?"

He reached Italy's house. Germany parked his car, pulled out his umbrella and walked to the front steps, dreading how the Italian man would act when he came through the door. He found him looking forward to tomorrow, then once again stopped himself. "We are just friends, that is all." He said, confirming it in his mind. He walked into the elaborate mansion.

The next thing he knew he was almost knocked over by Italy.

"GERMANY I THOUGHT YOU DIED OR SOMEONE KILLED YOU! IF YOU WERE ABOUT TO BE KILLED USE THE "I'M A VIRGIN" EXCUSE! Wait you are a virgin right? Yes, you have to be seeing as you're terrible with women… KIKU THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD TOO!"

Germany blushed and face palmed as Japan walked into the entry hall. "Ludwig-san, I did not think you were dead, but I was worried."

Italy spoke up, "SEE?!" hugging the German man harder.

"Italy, will you please get off!?"

Italy immediately released, "Sorry Ludwig…" He said quietly as he backed away. Germany stood up and brushed himself off before turning to Japan. "I was just talking to (f/n) for a bit, it sounds like she'll do training with us this week."

Italy hoorayed then became somber. "Why would you invite her to something so... TERRIBLE?! NOW SHES GOING TO HATE US FOR SURE!"

Germany spoke up, "Actually we had a deal, she wants me to help her paint her house tomorrow and in return she said she'd do training. She said you guys can also come to help if you want."

Italy frowned, "But…but….but I'm busy tomorrow, I promised Fratello I would help him harvest tomatoes. Tell her sorry I couldn't come." He said disappointedly.

Japan spoke next, "I have plans for tomorrow as well; I was going to make mochi for dinner. It takes a while to ground up the rice if you do it the old fashion way like I do." He said calmly. "Send her my deepest regrets."

He nodded at their replies and took his shoes and coat off.

They all left the room and went their separate ways. Japan went to the bathroom to take a bath, Italy went to the living room to watch television and Germany went to his room to go to bed.

Once Germany got to his room he changed into a black tank top and light blue boxers. He completed his nighttime rituals and covered himself in his down comforter. He shut his eyes, ready for sleep to take him.

Except it didn't.

He tossed back and forth trying to find a comfortable position but to no avail. His mind also wouldn't stop finding things to think about. No matter what he tried to think of, it somehow morphed to him thinking of (f/n). At first he couldn't believe it. He barely even knew this chick, so why did he like her this much?! After a while, he was too exhausted and just let himself think about her. He loved the way her (h/l) (h/c) locks cupped her face. Her (e/c) orbs seemed to sparkle with curiosity everywhere she looked. Yes, he could get used to her, but he really wished they could get passed the awkwardness and be friends. Questions also weighed heavy on his mind. "Will we ever get passed the awkwardness? Does she think of me the same way? Does she consider us friends yet?" Will training make us closer, or like Italy said, make her hate me?"

Finally he had enough; he got out of bed and washed his face in the bathroom sink. The cool water felt good on his heated skin. Walking back into the bedroom, he looked at the alarm clock. It was a little after midnight.

He thought a moment before he decided he would take a late stroll. He pulled his brown trousers back on, grabbed a jacket, and silently snuck through the house. He unlocked the front door quietly and exited the manor.

Luckily it finally stopped raining as he stepped out. The night air was crisp and refreshing and Germany took a deep breath. He exhaled slowly and walked along the sidewalk along the streets of the town. He let his legs take him wherever and let his mind go blank. After a few minutes of walking he stopped at a house. His legs had taken him to (f/n)'s house. The house was silent and still, and no lights were on. It was indeed peaceful, but he was on high alert due to the conditions of the neighborhood. He ran a finger on the gate to the house. The gate was, of course, locked and was cool from the night air.

He thought about how (f/n) was comfortable and snuggled under Italy's warm blanket. He bet she looked peaceful, and suddenly he wished he could see her. He shook the thought from his mind and looked at the neighbors' houses surrounding (f/n)'s. The one to the right was dark but the one a light was on in the house on the left. The light was on the first floor, and he could see a woman's figure through the closed window. She had dark brown hair, and was sitting next to what he assumed to be her husband on the sofa. They were watching their television contently.

Germany yawned and decided to head back and try to sleep again. Stepping away from the line of apartments, he headed back down the empty street. He looked at his feet as he slowly walked. His mind was calm now; somehow the visit had helped him. He walked and then unexpectedly ran into someone.

He looked up to see the small frame of a woman sitting on the ground. She rubbed her head and looked up.

Germany immediately helped the women up, and as soon as he did so, recognized her.

"Suzanne?"

"….Is that you, Ludwig?" She said surprised.

It was definitely her; he could recognize that hair anywhere, her long strands tied back into a tight ponytail.

"I'm so sorry," the German apologized, "I wasn't watching where I was walking."

"It quite alright sonny, but not watching where you were going is only half of it, I can tell there is something heavy on your mind. Care to tell me?"

He both loved and hated how well this woman sensed the mood.

"Also," the lady added, "Why are you out so late? And why are you here, of all places?"

"I could be asking you the same question." He remarked tersely.

"Don't get snippy with me, answer my questions." The old lady remarked, crossing her arms.

"Well, it's kind of a long story." He said rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well to answer your question quick, I was out at the bar, I'm on my way home. Since yours is a long story, why don't you come with me?"

He knew she wouldn't take no as an answer, so he followed the women.

"So how have you been Ludwig? You haven't stopped by my shop in a while." She said, making light talk.

"I have been pretty busy, plus I haven't been in Italy for a while."

"You need to visit more often, I get lonely you know. Although this morning, I met a delightful young lady. She helped me setup my shop." She mentioned, thinking back.

He nodded and Suzanne continued. "She was headed to the store to pick up cleaning supplies for the new apartment she just bought. Actually she said it's not too far from here.

That's when he connected the dots and interrupted. "Does this woman go by the name of (f/n)?"

She gasped a little, "Why yes, how did you know?"

"I also ran into her today."

"How so?"

He sighed and looked away, "There's no way I can tell her without her knowing I'm a country…" He thought, trying to think of a way around it.

"Well?" she asked, getting impatient.

His mind was blank of ideas. He decided she was worthy of the truth and sighed.

"Feliciano went out to lunch with her and brought her back to his house. I went out for a run and it started to rain on me, so I came back and she was there. I'm helping her paint her house tomorrow."

She stopped in her tracks, "You mean you were at THE Feliciano's house? Why were you there? How do you know him?"

He replied to all the questions at once. "Yes I was at his house, whenever I'm in Italy I stay there. I know him because we are allies. I'm… Germany." He admitted.

She gaped and her only reaction was, "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME BEFORE, SWEETHEART?"

He looked away, "Sometimes it just easier to pretend to be human…" He trailed off.

"You know very well that I wouldn't treat you different, dear." She said, beginning to walk again.

He cleared his throat, "I know I just…never mind."

"So your friends with Feli huh?"

"Allies." He corrected. He did consider Feliciano a friend, he wouldn't admit it though.

She thought a moment then looked up at him. "Nope, your friends I can sense it. You know you can't hide things from me. You said you got stuck in the rain too, you must have been drenched!"

"Yeah, I was. It was embarrassing. (f/n) was sitting in the living room when I came in soaked."

She laughed lightly, turning into the driveway of her small house. Even though it was dark, he could tell the cottage was an eggshell white. Suzanne unlocked the door and walked in with Germany followed after.

He took his jacket and shoes off then looked around at the small cottage. It really fit the old woman's personality. Her fabrics hung from everywhere, the bright colors making the house lively. The inside of the place was also quite messy. Empty spools of thread were scattered about and a sewing machine was covered in assorted fabrics.

He quickly caught up to Suzanne who was now in the kitchen, making what smelled like tea. She finished, gave a mug of the liquid to Germany, then sat down herself.

"Danke." He said taking a sip. It tasted heavenly, and was just the right temperature.

She immediately turned to him, "Well, we have time so tell me your long story." She nudged him and he started talking. He told her about the book store incident with (f/n). He also told her about he was poured on, only to find (f/n) sitting with Feliciano. Germany rambled on about the pasta he "had" to take back to (f/n) and how she had asked him to help paint her house tomorrow. Finally, he finished with a huff.

Suzanne pondered for a moment before speaking up bluntly. "You like her, that's why you're out so late right? Couldn't sleep?"

He blushed harshly and looked away. Suzanne just laughed. "I remember when I was young and had those same problems…" She quieted in remembrance.

"I do not!" He finally said, clearing his throat.

"Lying isn't a very good habit, you know." She said simply.

A moment of silence passed, and in that time Germany did realize the new feelings. He did like her. He put a hand on his face, worried Italy was rubbing off on him. He blurted the sentence he was thinking before he could stop himself.

"Do you think an awkward guy could at least become friends with her?" He mentally stabbed himself.

She laughed, "Oh hun, you're not awkward! But yes, I think she would love to be friends with you, after all she asked for your help did she not?"

"Well..."

"Now don't doubt yourself, and to keep it between you and me I can let you know when she's talking about you." She winked.

He smirked, "You're so sneaky."

"That's why you love me!" she said, taking care of their dishes. She finished and sat back down. "You know, even throughout that giant rant you never told me what you were up to this evening."

He shot her a questioning glance before remembering she had asked why he was in this area. He blushed and looked at his hands. "I just ended up meandering to (f/n)'s house." He said quietly.

She was smiling sweetly when Germany looked up. "I can tell the two of you are going to become inseparable. You have the same personality and brains."

"You barely know her." He said back.

"I don't know you very well, but I can tell when something's wrong." She remarked matter-of-factly.

"There's no arguing about that." He responded.

They sat a moment before he couldn't help but ask, "What's an old women like you doing at a bar at midnight?"

She chuckled, "That, my friend, is none of you business."

A comfortable silence fell over the two of them; they enjoyed the company.

She abruptly stood, "Now get out of my damn house and go to bed!"

He chuckled, "Yes ma'am!" He saluted and grabbed his belongings.

Her final words to him were none other than "NEVER CALL ME MA'AM!" before slamming the door.

He smirked. That old lady was crazy, but he knew he couldn't live without her.

Germany walked past (f/n)'s house again. Her neighbors had now gone to bed, and the whole row of apartments was eerily dark and silent.

He smiled remembering Suzanne's words and kept walking.

He entered the gate to Italy's house and walked up the driveway. In his mind, he was debating the best way to sneak in without waking anyone.

Reaching the front door, he hoped he wouldn't wake Feliciano, he would ask a million questions if Germany woke him. He opened it slowly, somehow avoiding it creaking. Germany stepped in and closed the door behind him. The German took his shoes and jacket off for what seemed to be the hundredth time that day. Next he headed down the hallway towards his room quietly. He opened his door and looked inside the dark room before letting out a sigh of relief. Italy didn't come to "sleep" with him again, and he didn't wake anyone. He closed the door behind him and silently slipped back into his nighttime attire. Suddenly realizing how tired he was, he grabbed a glass of water from the bathroom and gulped down its contents. Satisfied, he walked over to his bed and tucked himself in.

He lay there for a bit, thinking about earlier's conversation. Germany felt a wave of confidence run over him.

"Now don't doubt yourself." Was the last thing he thought before losing consciousness.

Key

(f/n)=first name

(h/l)= hair length

(h/c)= hair color

Translations

Italian

Fratello= brother

German

Danke=thank you